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The following appeared in an article in a consumer-electronics magazine:

"Company X's latest model of digital camera to be released next month, the TR12, is being promoted as the most portable, user-friendly digital camera available, and also an excellent bargain. It can be expected to live up to these claims, because Company X's previous model, the TR11, was universally lauded as setting the standard in these areas last year."Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.

AWA :

The argument claims that company x's latest model of digital camera, the TR12, which is being promoted as the most portable, user-friendly digital camera available, can be expected to live up to the company's claims as company's previous model, the TR11, was universally lauded for setting the standard in these areas last year. This is classic past - future fallacy. If something has happened in past, it will also be replicated in future. Due to this fallacy in reasoning, Argument is rather weak, unconvincing and several flaws.

First, the argument readily assumes company's claims regarding it model TR12 being superior in portability, user-friendliness. This is a stretch. As argument fails to provide any details regarding Camera specification, its performance and about it standing compared to rival products. Additionally, it did not give any details regarding the parameter to judge the various criteria for which TR12 is being credited. For example, When Auto-world, leading sports car magazine, give comments about any model of car, it gives details about the test performed and the parameters on which the car was compared with its rival companies. Thus, Without this kind of additional details it is difficult to accept details given in argument. The argument would have been much clearer if it explicitly give examples and details about the specifications compared and bench marking method used to compare it with other competing products.

Second, the biggest flaw in the reasoning of the argument is regarding it assumption about past success resulting in future success. Argument claims that as Company X's previous model, the TR11, was universally lauded as setting the standard last year, company's new model, the TR12, will also do the same. This is again a very weak and unsupported claim. Moreover, argument did not provided any additional facts regarding the market condition and other technical aspects affecting th performance of the new model. The argument would have been better if author had provided additional references to support his claims.

In summary, the argument is flawed and therefore unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthened if the author clearly mentioned all the relevant facts to support his claims. In order to asses the merits of a certain claim, it is essential to have full knowledge of all contributing facts and parameters. _________________